MangoMania: Pine Island’s annual ode to the mango this weekend

July 17, 2014

The 18th annual MangoMania Tropical Fruit Fair will be held Saturday, July 19, and Sunday July 20, at the German American Social Club on Pine Island Road. Saturday's hours will be from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday's hours will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"This year we will feature Pine Island's largest mango, and lots of arts, crafts, gifts, novelties, T-shirts and recipe books," said Jennifer Jennings, event coordinator. "Games and children's activities, plus some of the best tropical fruit growers in Southwest Florida. This will be our 18th MangoMania and each year we try to make this a bigger and better event. We are here to showcase the incredible diversity that Pine Island has to offer and to promote our growers of not only mangos but all kinds of tropical fruit."

Jennings re-configured the layout last year by keeping the vendors along the walking paths.

"This way we were able to accommodate more vendors and offer a wider variety of merchandise and services," Jennings said. "It also made it easier for people to get to everything."

Pine Island residents will receive a $1 discount at the gate (from $6 to $5) with ID.

More than 100 vendors will line the walkways this year. There will be mango and tropical fruit specialties and tastings. This year's Mango Queen, Valerie Hedman, will be in attendance.

Fact Box

If You Go:

What: MangoMania

When: Saturday, July 19 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday July 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: $6 or $5 in advance ($5 for Pine Island residents) Kids 10 years or younger are free

More information: Call

239-283-0888 or visit MangoManiaFL.com

A new feature at this year's MangoMania is the Dizzy Mango Mania Spin Raffle - one ticket for $5 or five tickets for $20. The grand prize winner gets $1,000, second place $500 and third place gets $250... and you don't need to be present to win.

Opening ceremonies will be conducted by the American Legion's Doug Floweree on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m.

Educating consumers is a big part of MangoMania and several tropical fruit vendors will offer educational sessions. Doug Floweree will present "It's All About the Mango" Saturday and Sunday mornings at 10:30.

Last year, Steve Cucura, a native of Virginia who moved to Pine Island to grow mangos about 16 years ago, answered questions about mangos. His mango farm is Fruit Scapes, at 92 Ficus Tree Lane, Bokeelia. He explained why mangos grow so well here in Florida.

"Mangos grow well in Southwest Florida because the climate here is similar to their native climates in India and Southeast Asia," Cucura said. "There are thousands of varieties worldwide and maybe a hundred here on Pine Island. I grow about 50 of the best tasting varieties. Some taste like pineapple, some taste like peach and some taste like coconut or lemon. My favorite is Him-Sager but the one I sell the most of is Valencia Pride."